How to Plan for a Wildlife Safari in Rwanda: Rwanda is a small landlocked country located in East Africa and has become one of the most visited countries in Africa because of the effort that the government has put in place to advertise and improve the tourism sector through the Rwanda Development Board.
Home to the famous endangered Mountain gorillas, Rwanda is the perfect destination for a permitted wildlife safari. Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are the best destinations for a permitted wildlife safari. Planning a permit safari can be daunting, especially if it is your first time, but it requires careful planning to ensure that you have a memorable safari. Wildlife safaris are some of the best because although few people have access to the wildlife per day, they are one of the ways that wildlife in Rwanda is being conserved. In this article, we are going to provide you with tips for planning a perfect permit wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Choose the right tour operator.
Research companies thoroughly, as many fraudsters operate online. A good tour operator, like Anthill Safaris, will advise you on expectations, help you choose the best destination, and offer services such as purchasing permits, booking accommodation and transport, and arranging meals and other safari-related services. Read reviews on TripAdvisor and seek word-of-mouth recommendations to select the best operator.
Choose the right destination.
Rwanda offers two primary safari destinations requiring permit purchases: Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Volcanoes National Park is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, while Nyungwe is best for chimpanzee tracking. Both activities necessitate permit purchases. You can visit both depending on your budget, but discuss options with your tour operator to make the best decision.
Choose the right season for travel.
The best time to travel for a permit wildlife safari in Rwanda is from June to September and December to February. This dry/peak season offers easier, less slippery, and less muddy trails. Additionally, thinning vegetation allows for easier wildlife viewing. However, note that the dry season is the busiest, so you’ll need to book permits in advance to participate.
Purchase your permits.
The Rwanda Development Board issues permits for wildlife safaris, and they are always in high demand. We advise you to book at least 6 months before your trek dates. Rwanda issues 96 gorilla permits daily, and high demand makes last-minute purchases difficult.
Plan when buying permits.
Planning is essential for permit purchases due to high dry season demand; buying one secures your safari. When planning, consider your desired safari dates, duration, extra activities, group size, and any queries you may have about permits for wildlife safaris in Rwanda.
Provide the right information.
When purchasing permits, you must provide accurate information, as any slight change could lead to permit cancellation.
Purchase the permit.
Purchasing a permit is easy and follows a few steps. For this reason, the best way to secure one is through a tour operator like Anthill Safaris. Contact them to help you purchase permits from the Rwanda Development Board on your behalf. You’ll need to provide details like the number of permits you’re purchasing, your name, and a copy of your passport for the passport number and expiration date. They will check permit availability, send an invoice for payment, make the purchase upon payment confirmation, and send you a copy for your records.
Follow all rules and regulations.
Permits limit access to endangered species, and after purchasing them, you must follow specific rules and regulations, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. These include:
- Maintain a minimum trekking age of 15 years for gorillas and chimps in Rwanda.
- Sick tourists will not participate in the trek.
- Keep national parks clean by taking all your waste with you.
- Bury human waste 30cm deep and cover it well to prevent wildlife from finding it.
- Maintain a distance of 7-10 meters from gorillas and chimpanzees.
- Avoid making noise to prevent distracting the primates and forcing them to retreat deeper into the forest.
- Do not feed chimpanzees and gorillas.
- Do not eat in the presence of gorillas and chimpanzees.
- Do not smoke, as it affects the primates.
- When sneezing and coughing, turn away from the wildlife and cover both your mouth and nose.
- You have one hour with the wildlife after tracking.
- Do not use flash photography when taking photos.
Reserve accommodation for the safari.
After purchasing your permits, consider your accommodation for your permit wildlife safari in Rwanda. Accommodation is crucial for your overnight stays in the national park. It is best to book accommodation close to your assigned trekking area. Accommodation is also in high demand during the dry season and requires booking as soon as possible. We are here to help you make the best decision when booking a lodge or hotel, considering your preferences. Booking accommodation close to the trekking area prevents you from missing the briefing session, which could lead to disqualification from the trek.
Book your safari.
Once you finalise details about when and where to go, book and pay for various safari services, including accommodation, permits, transport, meals, and other independently paid safari activities. While some tourists prefer solo and private safaris, booking through a trusted tour operator like Anthill Safaris is safer and often cheaper, helping you avoid inconveniences and scammers. Most wildlife safaris in Rwanda are located in rural areas, requiring an experienced local to guide you. For safety and safari confirmation, book at least 6 months to a year in advance for a better experience.
Consider travel insurance.
You are travelling to an unfamiliar territory and need to be prepared for anything that might happen. All tourists are encouraged to have travel insurance. Note that international flights are not part of the safari package, and costs will depend on your origin. In cases of bad weather or other unforeseen events, travel and any other affordable insurance will be necessary.
Pack wisely.
Like any safari, preparation is key for a perfect wildlife safari in Rwanda, and packing correctly ensures the best experience. Your safari itinerary will include different activities, all requiring preparation. Here’s a list of essential items:
- A camera
- Binoculars
- Hiking boots
- Neutral-colored clothes, preferably long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Thick socks
- First Aid Kit
- A day backpack
- Insect repellent
- A rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle (refillable and foldable)
- Warm clothes like sweaters, ponchos, and blankets
- A sunhat
- Cash
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Garden gloves
- Adjustable gaiters
- Snacks, especially energy bars
Understand the cost of your permit for a wildlife safari.
How to Plan for a Wildlife Safari in Rwanda. Several factors determine the cost of a permitted wildlife safari in Rwanda, including the season of travel, chosen accommodation, group size, and other safari activities. When planning, consider the cost to align your safari with your budget. The cost depends on:
- When you travel: Safaris are more expensive during the peak/dry season (June to September and December to February) due to high tourist numbers. The low/rainy season (October to November and March to May) is better if you are on a budget.
- Group size: Smaller groups generally incur higher costs, while larger groups share expenses for services like transport and accommodation, lowering individual costs.
- Accommodation: Your choice of basic, mid-range, or luxury accommodation facilities will determine the safari’s cost.
- Safari activities: Most safari activities on a permit wildlife safari are paid for independently. The more activities you plan (e.g., bird watching, game drives, boat rides, cultural visits, primate walks), the more you will pay.
Prepare for the weather.
Rwanda experiences dry and wet seasons, but weather patterns can be unpredictable. The national parks offering wildlife safaris are tropical rainforests, meaning the weather can change at any time. Prepare for changes by carrying a waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, and long-sleeved clothes, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, and sunscreen, among other items.
Train and be physically fit.
You are travelling to unfamiliar territory, and you need to be physically fit. Treks can be long before you locate wildlife. We advise you to train beforehand to prevent body fatigue during the trek.
For more information about permit wildlife safaris, contact us on our website, and our staff will assist with any queries you might have.
